FC Dallas has exercised a buyout on the guaranteed contract of Paxton Pomykal that removes the homegrown midfielder from the FC Dallas roster.
“From the moment he stepped into our Academy, Paxton carried himself with a maturity beyond his years, a fierce competitiveness, and real pride in representing this badge.” FC Dallas President Dan Hunt said. “Paxton will always be part of FC Dallas history, and we’re grateful for the impact he made on and off the field. We wish him nothing but success in the next chapter of his career.”
Pomykal underwent multiple procedures in recent years and returned to action on May 10, 2025, appearing in Dallas’ 1-1 draw against Real Salt Lake after a 434-day recovery from a knee injury suffered in March 2024. He made five appearances during the 2025 season and played his final match on Oct. 18, 2025, in Dallas’ 2-1 road victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps.
When he made his debut, Pomykal was the youngest player ever to start a match for FC Dallas at 17 years and 84 days. Among Homegrowns, he ranks third all-time in appearances (131) and starts (91), fifth in minutes played (7,910), and second in assists (15).
“It’s been a long ride, and it’s sad to see it come to an end, but I’m genuinely grateful for every moment I’ve spent here,” Paxton Pomykal said. “These past few years haven’t gone the way I hoped or the way anyone hoped, but the club stood by me through every step of my rehab and everything that came with it. I’m going to miss it, but I’m also thankful for the journey.”
“This is my home. Dallas will always be my family,” Pomykal continued. “I have so much love for the fans, the club, and my teammates, and I know they’re going to do great things. I’m really proud of the group we have, and that locker room is something I’ll miss deeply.”
A Lewisville native, Pomykal wore No. 19 in honor of FC Dallas legend Bobby Rhine and signed as the club’s 15th Homegrown on September 8, 2016. He made his Major League Soccer debut in a scoreless draw against Sporting Kansas City on March 11, 2017.
Internationally, Pomykal captained the United States U-20 men’s national soccer team to the quarterfinals of the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland. He earned his first senior call-up later that year and made his debut for the national team in the 85th minute against Uruguay on Sept. 11, 2019. He added two more senior appearances in 2023.
At the Academy level, Pomykal helped the FC Dallas Academy win the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup’s Gordon Jago Super Group in 2017. He was also selected to the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Central Conference Starting XI after contributing to both the U-16 and U-18 national championships.
3rd Degree’s Take
This contract buyout probably should have happened two years ago. But everyone in the organization wanted Pomykal to make it back so badly because of the club’s love for the kid.
We’ve been watching him since he was 15. What an amazing talent. It’s a real tragedy that injuries have ended his career with FC Dallas far too early.
Perhaps someday a more complete medial recovery will happen for him, and Pomkyal can restart his playing career. He is only 26.
Transaction
FC Dallas has exercised a buyout on the guaranteed contract of Homegrown midfielder Paxton Pomykal.
Gutted for him. He was going to be the face of the franchise and a regular with the USMNT. Instead, he ended up being FCD’s Jack Wilshire.
Do we know if he is retiring? Or attempting to continue rehab and find a spot somewhere else?